Colts drop Redskins, 21-9: Instant analysis

The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) secured their first win of the season with a 21-9 win over the Washington Redskins (1-1) at FedEx Field on Sunday.

It was over when…

…Andrew Luck found T.Y. Hilton on a third down at the goal-line to put the Colts up 21-9 with 7:32 left in the game.

Game Balls

LB Darius Leonard: Again. Yes, again. The rookie linebacker continues to fly all over the field making plays against the run and the pass. He recorded 18 total tackles and his first career sack.

WR T.Y. Hilton: There weren’t many deep plays, but Hilton was the top target all day. He caught seven of 11 targets for 83 yards and a big touchdown in the fourth quarter.

DE Jabaal Sheard: The veteran defensive end sealed the edge against the run and made plenty of pressures. He added a sack, two quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and one batted pass.

Key Stats

0: This number represents how many touchdowns the Colts defense allowed. That’s typically a way to win a ballgame.

9/16: This number represents the third down conversion percentage for the Colts offense. Typically, anything over 40 percent is ideal so the fact that they converted 56 percent of their third-down attempts is stellar.

Quick Hits

The Colts scored on their opening drive of the game for the first time since Dec. 14, 2017, on a seven-yard touchdown to Eric Ebron.

Rookie Nyheim Hines scored his first career rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

The defense was swarming the entire game showing off their speed and extremely efficient tackling.

The Colts front seven was extremely stout against the Redskins rushing attack.

The Colts offense continued their ways of utilizing the high-percentage passes, which helped keep Luck relatively clean.

Luck completed 21 of 31 passes for 179 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

DT Jihad Ward was elevated from the practice squad and recorded a sack in the fourth quarter.

The Colts offensive line held their own for the most part aided by quick passes. They allowed nine quarterback hits and one sack.

The Colts held the Redskins rushing attack to just 65 yards on just 2.95 yards per carry.